Aberchirder Local History Group

In November 1995 six Aberchirder people met and set up a local history group, which met in the Primary School to collect reminiscences about topics such as shops and education.  Within two years the horizons had broadened and a programme of talks by visiting speakers, along with other activities, had become the norm.  Today there are over 60 members, of whom on average around half attend each meeting.

Members of the group have played an important part in collecting information and materials about local history, starting with organising the highly successful Marnan Fayre held in the Memorial Hall in October 1997.  This event gathered together a wide range of photographs and documents, and members dressed up in period costume to give demonstrations of traditional household and farming techniques.

The following year members became involved in designing the coat of arms for the Community Council.  They provided ideas on symbols which would reflect Aberchirder’s history, and used public comments to decide which of five draft designs by Charles Burnett should be selected.  For the story of the presentation of the arms in September 1999, click here.

In 2000 the Community Association decided to produce a video of Aberchirder past and present, and the Local History Group obtained a grant from the 'Lottery Awards For All' scheme to finance the production.  Members of the Group took part in planning, filming, writing the commentary and editing the video, which was made by The Grimley Partnership and has sold almost 500 copies.

The Virtual Museum, which forms part of this website, will depend for its success on materials and information provided by as many local people as possible, and Local History Group members will play a major part in this.

The Group always welcomes new members, whether they want to contribute what they know or to learn about the history of the area and further afield.  Membership is free, but members are asked for a donation of £2 at every meeting they attend. For more details, contact Bob Peden on 01466 780277.

Meetings will be held on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm in the Community Pavilion at McRobert Park,
unless otherwise stated.

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